The matter was settled. Zhang Guoli, Wang Gang, Zeng Li, Qin Hailu, and Zhang Mo all filled out the contracts. Once signed and effective, Shen Fang directly instructed the finance department to send them their signing fees.

At this moment, Zeng Li felt like she was dreaming. She was inexplicably chosen, then signed a contract, and now she not only got the lead role, but the 1 million yuan in her hands was real.

However, Zeng Li's father had some money, and although 1 million was a lot, Zeng Li wasn't too excited. What excited her more was the lead role, and the opportunity to act alongside Chen Daoming.

She had read the script for "Ming Dynasty" very carefully; she had never seen a better one. With such a large investment and high production value, she was sure to become famous if nothing unexpected happened.

Nobody wants to be unpopular.

At noon, Shen Fang hosted a lunch for several people.

Then Chen Daoming started calling Zheng Xiaolong, Zhang Li, Zhang Yongxin, and other people in the Beijing entertainment circle. Longteng was about to embark on its journey, and as the master, he naturally wanted to call on his good friends to help his apprentice, and also to seek benefits for his friends in the industry. This was at Shen Fang's request. Another person was Zhang Jizhong, who was currently collaborating with Chinese-American on "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils." Yes, Shen Fang was planning to acquire "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils," as this series, featuring a bearded man, would make many artists famous, and it was also Liu Yifei's breakthrough role.

The bearded man is still somewhat useful. The company is currently in need of manpower, and he is a very good tool. Almost every drama he stars in becomes a hit. The Smiling, Proud Wanderer, Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, The Return of the Condor Heroes, and The Legend of the Condor Heroes are all hits.

Acquiring him can bring fame to Longteng and help Longteng promote its artists. He's a good tool.

That evening, Shen Fang specially arranged for Liu Tianxian to dress up in her finest attire, all in order to secure the role of Wang Yuyan.

Baijia cuisine.

The Beijing elite circle includes Wang Shuo, Xu Cairen, Li Chengru, Ma Weidu, Jiang Wen, Jiang Wu, Huang Lei, Zheng Xiaolong, Zhao Baogang, and Feng Xiaogang.

Zhang Li, Zhang Yongxin, Zhang Dahuzi, Wang Zhongjun, Wang Zhonglei, Wang Jinghua, Hu Jun, Hu Jing, and others were all present.

On Longteng's side, Shen Fang, Zhang Yimou, Zhong Lifang, Zhang Guoli, Wang Gang, Zhang Mo, Xu Qing, Zeng Li, Qin Hailu, Liu Yifei, and Liu Yifei's mother also came.

The arrival of three other people surprised Shen Fang: two great beauties, Li Xiaoran and Fan Xiaopang, and then there was also the young and adorable Pan.

Li Xiaoran and Nai Pan were brought by Zhao Baogang.

Wang Zhongjun and Wang Zhonglei also came because of Zhang Dahuzi; the Chinese brothers wanted to cooperate with Dahuzi.

Fan Xiaopang's arrival surprised Shen Fang a bit, because she shouldn't be from the Beijing circle.

When Hu Jing saw her former roommate and best friend Zeng Li, she was so excited that she quickly greeted her.

Hu Jing is currently very popular, with her roles in dramas like "Palace of Desire," "The Secret History of Xiaozhuang," and "Young Zhang Sanfeng." As for Zeng Li, she has been in the industry for several years but has hardly any works. Both graduated from the Central Academy of Drama, Zeng Li is the most beautiful and also the most hardworking in her studies, diligently staying in school for four years. However, she missed her chance.

PS: There's a reason for this. The Central Academy of Drama stipulates that students cannot go out to film during their four years of study. However, apart from the honest Zeng Li, all of the eight actresses went out to film. Among them, Mei Ting had a falling out with the school and dropped out during her freshman year because of a role in a film. As Eileen Chang once said, "One should become famous as early as possible," and this is no joke. Although Zeng Li's conditions are truly top-notch in the industry, her personality and way of doing things make it difficult for her to integrate into the circle. To put it nicely, she doesn't conform to others; to put it bluntly, she's a bit stubborn. But that's the best thing about her. Shen Fang likes this kind of stubbornness; it's like rising above the mud unsullied.

Zeng Li missed many opportunities, and her good friend Hu Jing felt sorry for her. She was very happy to see Zeng Li here today.

Hu Jing held Zeng Li's arm.

"Da Mei, what brings you here? What are you doing here???"

Logically speaking, Zeng Li, being a nobody, shouldn't have had a chance to attend today's gathering; everyone here is a big shot.

At this moment, Qin Hailu, who had just finished using the restroom, saw her friend and immediately rushed over.

"Jingjing, what are you doing here?"

Hu Jing, Zeng Li, and Qin Hailu hugged each other; this was one of the few times the three had met since they parted ways at school.

"Da Mei, Hai Lu, what are you doing here?"

"Hey, Da Mei and I have signed with Longteng Media. I have some good news for you: Da Mei might become famous."

Hu Jing looked completely bewildered.

"Huh? I know Longteng Media. There's been a lot of talk in the industry lately that director Zhang Yimou has signed with Longteng. It seems like the boss is very rich. Is he about to become famous?"

Qin Hailu was just about to reply.

At this moment, Shen Fang, dressed in a custom-made black suit and sporting a slicked-back hairstyle, was holding Liu Qianqian's small hand, followed by Liu Xiaoli, Chen Jingfei, and Zhong Lifang.

Hu Jing looked at the handsome man and beautiful woman, Shen Fang and Liu Tianxian, as if they were a prince and princess.

"(⊙o⊙) Wow, who is this? He's so handsome, and the girl is very pretty too."

"He is Shen Fang, the boss of Longteng Media, and next to him is his sister Liu Tianxian."

Liu Tianxian, with her sharp eyes, spotted Zeng Li and quickly waved.

"Sister Zeng Li."

Zeng Li smiled and responded to Liu Tianxian upon hearing this.

Shen Fang smiled and said, "Qianqian, go and play with Sister Zeng Li. I have something to do."

Upon hearing this, Liu Tianxian immediately pulled Liu Xiaoli's hand and led her to Zeng Li's side.

Zeng Li looked at the graceful Liu Tianxian and praised her, "Qianqian, you look very beautiful today."

Liu Qianqian smiled broadly upon hearing this: "(*∩_∩*) Hehe, my mom dressed me up. Mom, this is Sister Zeng Li, this is Sister Hai Lu, and who is this sister?"

Liu Tianxian looked at Hu Jing; she didn't recognize her.

Hu Jing quickly greeted her with a smile: "Hello, beautiful lady, I'm Hu Jing, Zeng Li's good friend."

Liu Xiaoli smiled as she looked at Zeng Li.

"So you're Zeng Li? My daughter Qianqian has been talking about you a lot these past few days. She said she met a really beautiful older sister. You're from Wuhan too?"

Zeng Li smiled and said, "You're a new Wuhan resident, but my hometown is Jingzhou. Auntie, you're very beautiful too."

Liu Xiaoli smiled and nodded: "Now that you've signed with Longteng, please take good care of Qianqian. You two are from the same hometown. My Qianqian is still young, so please guide her if she doesn't understand anything."

Zeng Li smiled and said, "Let's make progress together. I really like Xixi."

Liu Qianqian held Zeng Li's hand.

"Sister Zeng Li, come to my house on Sunday! Bring Da Bai (my cat) with you. I have lots of cats at home. I'll let you pet them, okay?"

Zeng Li, who loves keeping pets, was immediately excited upon hearing this.

The group began to negotiate.